The brainchild of 80-year-old Maurice King, from Tibenham near Long Stratton, the mass skydive was held to celebrate his birthday by inviting other Freemasons and their families to help raise money for a five-year, multi-million pound Norfolk festival to support the Freemasons Grand Charity.

Joining Maurice, who did his first skydive aged 75, was Norwich amateur pilot Nigel Riley, 87, and the Worshipful Master of the Rotary Lodge of Norfolk, Adrian Jarvis.

In congratulating Maurice, deputy head of Norfolk Freemasonry, Stephen Allen said: “What a great way to raise funds for good causes and show that age is no barrier to enjoying life and helping others.”